The Southwest Voice

By: Ray Pruitt

The holiday season is a special time of year. It is a time to celebrate with family and friends, and to look forward to the new year. Unfortunately, statistics show that crime increases during the holiday season. Many people become hurried, careless and vulnerable, increasing the risk of becoming crime victims. Share the following tips with family, friends and neighbors. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office wishes you a safe, happy and peaceful holiday season.

Shopping:
• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
• Park in well-lit areas and secure your vehicle.
• Don’t leave packages and boxes visible in your vehicle. Lock them in the trunk.
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash. Pay with checks or credit cards.
• Keep your purse close to your body. Put your wallet in your front pocket.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Be aware of strangers approaching you for any reason.
• Have your keys ready when approaching your vehicle.
• Ask a store employee to escort you to your vehicle.

Online shopping:
• Only shop with companies you are familiar with.
• Make sure the company complies with online security standards.
• Do not respond to requests for your password or credit card information.
• Do not respond to online solicitations, you initiate the transaction.

At home:
• Always keep your home locked and secured.
• Leave on several lights and a television or radio when you are gone.
• Do not display presents in a window where they can be seen.
• Never give out personal information over the phone.
• Do not allow anybody you don’t know into your home.

Children:
• If possible, leave children with a babysitter when shopping.
• Teach your child to go to a store clerk if he or she get lost.
• Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom in a store.
• Never leave a child in a vehicle unattended.
• Teach your child to never talk to strangers or go anywhere with a stranger, and to tell you if a stranger bothers them.
• Teach your child their full name, address and phone number.

Hosting a party:
• Have non-alcoholic beverages available for guests.
• Serve food.
• Arrange alternative transportation for guests who are drinking.
• As the host, drink responsibly.
• Do not allow guests to drive if they are intoxicated.

For more information on holiday safety tips, call the Kern County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit at 391-7559.